Channel Receiver for Traffic Messages

Overview

The project shows how the Traffic Message Channel Receiver was created for a specific application of the FM Radio Data System that is being used for broadcasting weather information and real-time traffic.

Explanation

The Traffic Message Control (TMC) Receiver is being used in several countries belonging to European Union. A TMC-equipped car radio is used for decoding the data messages after they have been received and there are different ways to deliver these messages. By using this device, several benefits are provided to the driver such as being able to listen to music or news from the FM radio without any interruption since messages are received through “silent” FM data channel. There is no need to wait for scheduled traffic news bulletin because the messaged received will be displayed on the spot. Without any filtration or modification, the Traffic Message Channel services are operating 24/7/365 and presented directly to the drivers.

The dual display contains color road map and detailed text messages and both have LED backlight. The memory can store up to 120 TMC messages which can be scrolled manually or automatically. A mouse sensor or micro joystick is used for map navigation.